Diversity Development Fund

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Citizens or legal residents of the U.S. or its external territories

“Independent producers.” This means that the individual applicants a) own the copyright of their production; b) have artistic, budgetary and editorial control of their project and; c) are NOT regularly employed as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity or film studio, including public access stations. Staff persons who are not producers/directors are allowed to apply.

Persons age 18 or older

Persons with some previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated by submitting a previously completed work sample

Persons from cultural and ethnic communities historically underrepresented on public television.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Individuals who do not meet ITVS’s definition of an “independent producer”

Students

Current signatories of ITVS production contracts who have not completed delivery or previously funded producers who are not up to date with reporting requirements.

Producers representing foreign-based production entities

Persons regularly employed as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity including public access stations

Organizations such as universities, foundations and nonprofit media organizations

Production managers, writers, assistants, supporting crew members

COMMON QUESTIONS

Am I required to have a certain amount of producing experience to apply to ITVS?

Yes. A previously completed work sample video is mandatory. The applicant must have some previous film or television production experience in a principal production role: producer, co-producer, director, or co-director, which is demonstrated by submitting a sample video of previously completed work in its entirety.

Can I have a co-applicant on my project for the DDF?

Only one applicant may apply to the DDF. But if you have a team in place you should describe it in the program Information section of your proposal. Do not send their résumés with your application. You will be asked to submit them if you are chosen as a finalist.

Do I need a fiscal sponsor? Can I apply as an organization?

No, you do not need a fiscal sponsor. Organizations cannot apply as an applicant, but may be listed as the production entity. The applicant must be an independent producer, which is defined by ITVS as a producer who is not regularly employed as a staff producer or director by a public or commercial broadcast station or studio.

Why aren't other diverse categories included in this initiative?

The DDF is specifically for diverse filmmakers, with an emphasis on cultural, racial, and ethnic communities historically underrepresented in our public broadcasting system. ITVS encourages applications from filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, and applicants may list additional cultural, racial, and ethnic communities in the space provided on the application cover sheet.

Is the DDF only looking for stories about diverse communities?

The DDF is a diversity initiative, the purpose of which is to support the production of original programming by filmmakers from underrepresented communities. There are no eligibility requirements based on the subject matter of the stories applicants tell. However, we are looking for programs that fit the ITVS mission to serve underserved audiences, take creative risks, explore complex social issues, inspire dialogue, and express points of view seldom seen on on commercial or public television.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about DDF, email njeri_eaton@itvs.org.

Independent Television Service is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.